New appointment for Clarence MP Chris Gulaptis

Clarence Nationals MP Chris Gulaptis has welcomed his new role, stating that it will keep him “close to the circles of power” that are important to the region.

Clarence MP Chris Gulaptis.

Clarence Nationals MP Chris Gulaptis has welcomed his appointment as Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry. Prior to the appointment, he had been Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Roads and Infrastructure.

“These aren’t huge responsibilities that take me away from the main job of representing the Clarence and Richmond Valleys, but it keeps me close to the circles of power and agriculture and forestry are obviously very important in our region,” Mr Gulaptis said.

“I have an excellent relationship with the Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall and I wish him a speedy recovery from COVID-19.”

Mr Gulaptis’ new appointment was one of six new appointments across the NSW Government’s refresh of Parliamentary Secretary roles.

Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the Parliamentary Secretary roles and responsibilities had been revised to reflect the current needs of regional NSW following drought, bushfires, floods and COVID-19, and to ensure regional NSW is at the heart of decision making within the NSW Government.

“Our Parliamentary Secretaries are integral in helping to serve regional and rural communities across the state and representing regional towns by highlighting their unique issues in the NSW Parliament,” Mr Barilaro said in an announcement on Wednesday.

The new Parliamentary Secretary appointments:

• Sam Farraway MLC, Parliamentary Secretary to the Deputy Premier and for Water Infrastructure
• Steph Cooke MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Health
• Stephen Bromhead MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Housing
• Ben Franklin MLC, Parliamentary Secretary for Energy and the Arts
• Chris Gulaptis MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry
• Geoff Provest MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Tourism and Hospitality

“These Members of Parliament already have a proven track record of serving as dedicated and effective Parliamentary Secretaries,” Mr Barilaro said.